Salvation Is A Gift from God!
We are bombarded with stories of tribulation every time we turn on the news or read the local newspaper. The world is in utter chaos. There are reports of gun violence, homicides, suicides, and terrorism. There is a constant reminder of pain and hopelessness. Individually, people are fighting battles of their own. Is there any hope?
Why are these things happening in the world? These are some of the questions that are stirring in the hearts of people. Perilous times will continue to come upon the earth. Things will not get easier. However, in the midst of these times, I believe there is an outcry for hope. People are searching for hope. As the times get darker, many will run to the only one that can give hope—His name is Jesus Christ, and He loves you. If there was ever a time to receive Christ, it is now.
How Important is it to know Jesus Christ?
Why is there a need for you to know Jesus Christ? Is it important in these times? Yes, it is. We do not know when we will die. Our life is like a vapour, and life without Christ forfeits eternal life with Him. If you were to die today, without Him, you would not go to Heaven. In addition, here on Earth, you would forfeit your eternal commendation and rewards. Life on Earth would be empty without Christ. You may be having fun without Him, but deep down inside, there is a yearning for God. Only God can fill that void. Only His love can give you contentment in your heart. Whether we know it or not, we are all under a lordship. There are two lordships that exist—Satan and Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:1-10). When we do not know Jesus as our personal Lord and Saviour, it means Satan is the lord of our lives. The Bible says that Satan is the god of this world (2 Corinthians 4:4). We live in a fallen world. A fallen world is the reason for all the pain, sickness, and hopelessness. Many people are tempted to blame God for these things. Yet, He is a good God. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him (James 1:17). However, without Christ, we are on a pathway of eternal destruction. God ultimately wants to have fellowship with us. He wants a relationship. When we do not know Him, the lines of communication are cut. There is a breach, and the Lord wants to repair it.
Why do we need a Saviour?
Before I present why there is a need for the Lord Jesus Christ, I want you to know that God loves you in your brokenness. Wherever you may be in life, whether you are strung out on drugs, depressed, fatigued or despondent, God loves you. The Bible says, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him, will not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). When we receive His love and grace in our lives, we are forever changed. However, why do we need a Saviour? Because we cannot pay the penalty of our sins. All have come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). We all have sinned. Our righteousness is as filthy rags. It cannot save us from eternal damnation. Therefore, God loved us so much that He sent His Son to die for us. Jesus Christ shed His own blood, so that He could wipe our sins away. Hence, in Christ, we no longer have to pay for the penalty of our sins, because He paid it for us. We don’t have to trust in our righteousness (good works) because His righteousness will be accredited to us. Whoever calls upon the name of the Lord Jesus shall be saved (Acts 2:21). There is only one way to Heaven and that is through putting our faith and trust in Jesus. There is only one way to the Father, and that is through His Son Jesus Christ. We need a Saviour because our good works and intentions cannot save us. The Bible says that we are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8). It is His love and grace that saves you. He loves you just the way you are.
What do I need to do to obtain Salvation?
Salvation starts when we come to the end of ourselves and come to the point of knowing that we desperately need a Saviour. When you give your life in exchange for His life, things will begin to change (Luke 17:33). We are not promised that in this life we will not encounter trials (John 16:33); we will. However, we won’t have to face them alone. God will never leave nor forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). His promises in His Word will keep you strong. As you continually abide in His Word and let it transform you, He will direct your path. He will show you a glimpse of things to come. He will speak to your heart that you have a destiny! You will live with purpose here on Earth. He will bring divine connections across your path. God will love you through it all. You will never be ashamed when you put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ (Romans 10:11). Remember, we are saved by grace through faith; not of ourselves, but it is a gift from God, not of works lest any man boast (Ephesians 2:8-9). His grace is enough for you. He loves you so much. God is not a judge or strict disciplinarian who is out to get you. God is love. The devil will try to confuse you with thoughts, telling you that God isn’t real or that God is angry with you. He will even say that Christianity is a religion. No! It is a relationship with your Creator.
When you receive Christ into your heart, you also receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit will guide you along life’s journey (John 16:13). He will reveal Jesus to you and teach you God’s Word. He is your Comforter. You will never be left alone. Let the love of God minister to your heart right now, wherever you are. God loves you.
Salvation Prayer
If you have read this article, and do not know the Lord Jesus Christ as your personal Lord and Saviour, pray this prayer from your heart:
I acknowledge that, without Christ, I am lost. I confess with my mouth that Jesus is Lord. I believe in my heart that God raised Jesus from the dead. I accept and believe in the finished work of God through Jesus Christ who shed His blood, taking away my sins, so that I can be saved. Therefore, I no longer trust in my good works to save me, but I trust in Jesus Christ alone. Amen.
What’s next?
Now that you have made Jesus the Lord of your life, you are now Christ’s workmanship (Ephesians 2:10). He won’t leave you as you are! Your Heavenly Father has promised in John 14:26 that when Jesus goes to the Father, He will send another Comforter, the Holy Spirit which will guide you into all truth. Therefore, He will shape you and mold you into the image of Christ. He has prepared good works that you should walk in for the rest of your life. Tell others about Him. Win souls to Christ. Obey what He tells you to do. There are rewards in Heaven waiting for you based on what you do here on Earth. Go get it! For God rewards those that diligently seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). Also, join a community of believers that is filled with the love of God, a Bible-believing church that rightly divides the Word of God. Remember, people are not perfect. You may get rubbed the wrong way; however, always trust in the love of Christ. He is faithful and constant. At the same time, don’t let the enemy rob you of great relationships. Connect with other believers full of Christ’s love. Get strengthened in community.